Surname Westhoff - Meaning and Origin

Westhoff: What does the surname Westhoff mean?

The last name Westhoff is of German origin, meaning "west of the farm". It is derived from the word 'Westhof', which was used to describe a farm that was located on the western edge of a property. It could refer to both a physical farm, or a figurative one such as a trading enterprise.

The name was popular amongst the first German migrants who settled in the United States, many of whom chose the last name Westhoff to represent their homeland. Consequently, it is still relatively common today among some German-American families.

The derivation of the last name Westhoff gave rise to several variations, which may indicate where the family originated. These include Osthoff, which means "East of the farm", Westraw, which is a combination of "West" and "Rößel" (a Prussian word meaning "meadow"), and Estraw, which means "East of the meadow".

The name's popularity has led to a certain level of familiarity amongst its known members. It is thought to have given the Westhoff family a unique common heritage, with a proclamation of pride in their German roots. Not only does this create a bond between its members, it also allows people to quickly recognize and connect to fellow Westhoffers, wherever they may be.

Westhoff: Where does the name Westhoff come from?

The last name Westhoff can be found in many parts of the world. It is especially popular in Germany, where there are around 115,000 people with the last name. It is also relatively common in the United States, where there are around 10,000 people with the Westhoff surname. In the Netherlands, there are around 5,000 people with the name Westhoff.

The Westhoff last name is most common in certain regions of German-speaking countries. It is an occupational surname, having originated as a variant of German last names beginning with "west-", which means "west". It was often given to people who originated from a place to the west. The family likely originated in the Rhineland and Lower Saxony regions of Germany.

The Westhoff surname is not limited to German-speaking countries, however. It is also found primarily in the United States, especially in the Midwest, where many German immigrants settled. It is also fairly common in the Netherlands, where it is sometimes seen as a form of the surname Westerhoff.

In recent generations, the Westhoff name has spread to many other countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the Westhoff surname is found among descendants of German immigrants. It is also common in other parts of Europe, such as Scandinavia, and various South American countries.

Variations of the surname Westhoff

Westhoff is a surname of German origins. Common variants of the name include Westhoft, Westhaff, Westhoph, Westhauf, Westhoffe, Westhoffen, Westhoffer, Westhoffers, Westhofer, Westhöfer, Westhöffer, Westhooff, Westhöve, Westhov, Westhouf, Westhouff, Westhuff, Westhuber, Westhuff, Westhür, Westhurff, Westkämper, Westkampfer, and Westkämper.

The German dictionary 'Meyers Konversations-Lexikon' states that Westhoff is a shortened version of Westhoffen, which is derived from the middle High German word "westhove", a designation of a settlement near a West forest. In the late Middle Ages many Westhoffen were scattered around Germany.

The Westhoff surname could be found in the U.S. as early as the 1850s with large numbers of German immigrants migrating to America. This surname is also common amongst Dutch and Belgian immigrants and can still be found in these countries.

The majority of Westhoffs living in Europe today are located in Germany, with the largest population located in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.

In the United States today, Westhoff is the 2,830 most common surname, according to the US census taken in the year 2000. Westhoff is mostly common in states which boasted a large number of German immigrants such as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Famous people with the name Westhoff

• Brooke Westhoff: Professional dancer and actress featured in reality TV shows.
• Mark Westhoff: Retired American professional Soccer midfielder.
• Lance Westhoff: Former professional American Football tight end.
• John L. Westhoff III: Retired Brigadier General and major general in the United States Army.
• Mitchell Westhoff: Chairman of the Nielsen Global Media division.
• Rich Westhoff: Producer and composer that has worked with artists like Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mayer.
• Sam Westhoff: Assistant professor in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow.
• Bill Westhoff: Former National Football League player.
• Renee Westhoff: Television producer, radio presenter, and journalist.
• Peter Westhoff: Former German international football player.
• Jack Westhoff: Former Australian rules footballer.
• Kristen Westhoff: Award-winning author of children's books, picture books, and poetry.
• Jeremy Westhoff: Award-winning American environmental artist and poet.
• Don Westhoff: American entrepreneur and real estate developer.
• Barry Westhoff: Painter and sculptor.
• Marlene Westhoff: Economist and professor emerita of Economics and Women's Studies at Grand Valley State University.
• Joost Westhoff: Painter and teacher at the Academy of Art in Rotterdam.
• Thelma Westhoff: Singer and songwriter.
• Fotostrasse Westhoff: German dance and music company.
• J.Westhoff: German contemporary artist and illustrator.

Other surnames

WesthofWesthofenWestholdWestholtWesthoven